Minnesota Vikings: Marcus Sherels named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week

Minnesota Vikings punt returner Marcus Sherels has been named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after his Week 8 performance against the Chicago Bears.

Sherels returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter to get the Vikings their first points of the game. Additionally, Sherels returned a punt 12 yards to give the Vikings a head start on their final scoring drive that ended with Blair Walsh’s game-winning field goal. Sherels also led the team with two special teams tackles on Sunday.

Here’s a link to the video of Sherels’ 65-yard touchdown on Sunday.

According to this article from Vikings.com, Sherels is the first Vikings punt returner ever to be named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Also, the punt return touchdown moved Sherels into first place in Vikings history with three punt return touchdowns in his five-year career.

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Sherels is now fifth in the NFL in punt return average this season at 11.5 yards per return. Leading the way is Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles at 14.7 yards per return.

Before the season, I was an advocate of cutting Sherels. He isn’t much of a cornerback, which is his current position listed on the roster. However, I completely underestimated his impact on special teams. Obviously, in the return game he’s been phenomenal. But he’s also been very good in kickoff and punt coverage, and it seems like he’s always around the tackle on a special teams play.

Stay tuned to Sporting Sota throughout the week for more Minnesota Vikings news and analysis.

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